New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, Chemicals of Creation (Dub-Reggae DJ Set), All proceeds from this concert will go to Cedric's family

The Skatalites

The Skatalites began performing in Jamaica in May 1964. The group was so hot that their first rehearsal became a show. So many people had lined up outside the venue, they decided to just charge admission and let everybody in! They were the top musicians on the island at the time, having come together after playing in different bands and on various recording sessions. These records were made to be played at the many competing sound systems around the island. The band became legendary, backing all the developing artists of the day, such as Toots and The Maytals, Prince Buster and "The Wailing Wailers" featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. These groups were all recording on the new beat called ska, which had an infectious rhythm that was catching on like wildfire. Eventually, the beat slowed down into rocksteady, and then reggae. This wildfire spread unstoppably around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including lovers rock, dub, dancehall/ ragga, ska-punk,, and others. Hugely popular groups, like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites.

Since reforming after an almost 20 year hiatus in 1983, and beginning regular touring as a unit in 1989, they have not stopped thrilling audiences in every corner of the globe. Even after 48 years, and various lineup changes as members leave one stage for another, the band continues to perform and record new music in the inimitable Jamaican style, like only they can. The road has been long and hard, and sadly, seen most of the original members pass on. Often asked "when will you stop?" and "how do you keep doing it after all these years?", the answer is simple: never - It's the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward!

Featuring original alto sax man Lester "Ska" Sterling and vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians they have chosen to accompany them, the band proudly presents live the music of Jamaican Ska.

New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble

NYSJEs recordings and performances have garnered them critical acclaim for their high energy, creative originals, kinetic ska interpretations of jazz standards, as well as their potent mix of dance hall, reggae, rock steady and jazz. Performance highlights include: The North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, The Quebec Festival de Musique, Musiques en Ete (Geneva), The Bob Marley Reggae Festival with Israel Vibration and Sister Carol, and The Discover and Bell Atlantic Jazz festivals in the U.S. In addition, NYSJE has the singular distinction of being the first American Ska band to play in Poland after the wall came down.
The band had been featured in Downbeat, Reggae Nucleus, The Beat, Ragga and Jazziz magazines. NYSJE s music can be heard regularly on television– on the Nickelodeon network, MTVs Road Rules, as well as two nationally airing Campbells Soup Commercials. In Italy, their video, Properly, airs on MTV.

Chemicals of Creation (Dub-Reggae DJ Set)

Chemicals of Creation is a high energy, electronic dance experience curated by DJ/Producers Devon James Stewart (devon.james) and John Kunz (Dr.Teeth). The two came together after meeting in an audio production class in the Winter of 2010 at Syracuse University. Having been DJing, and practically running the underground party scene at school since sophomore year. Their parties earned a reputation for being the most wild, innovative, and exciting the campus had to offer. As the popularity of electronic music grew, Chemicals of Creation became one of the most in demand acts in Syracuse. They gained even more exposure after winning a DJ competition at Syracuse University, earning them an opportunity to open for Steve Aoki. With this momentum, they began spreading their infectious and diverse blends of sounds to other cities in the Northeast. Refusing to slow down the duo continues to play clubs, festivals, and other events across the globe.
When these two come together the music gets loud, the floors shake, and the people get wild. This energetic pair is constantly researching, downloading, remixing, and producing music of different genres in an attempt to connect people together musically and culturally. Their influences break down musical barriers and connect genres like Reggae and Hip Hop with Soulful House and Electro. Their extensive knowledge of other cultures, paired with the hard work of staying on top of the most current underground and popular movements, produces magical results in their live show and on the dance floor.
Chemicals of Creation are known for the atmosphere they create in their live shows and have shared the stage with the likes of Tiesto, Skrillex, Major Lazer, Steve Aoki, Porter Robinson, Dillon Francis, Datsik, Zeds Dead, Felix Da Housecat, Flux Pavillion, Dr. P, Nadastrom, Sazon Booya, RJD2, Lunice, Paul Devro, DJ Sega, Nit Grit, DJ Craze, Daedelus, Tokimonsta, and Two Fresh – to name only a few.